Fang Cheng Bao Bao 5
Now that we have gone through November 2023 Chinese wholesales, it is time to delve into the newcomers in the charts. This month, we have a record 14 new models hitting dealerships, 12 of them Chinese. Once again this shows that foreign manufacturers simply can’t keep up with the launch frequency of their Chinese counterparts and are overwhelmed by the speed at which domestic models are released to market. To fully understand the scope of the Chinese market, make sure you consult our Exclusive Guide to all 202 active Chinese Brands.
1. Neta X (7,091 sales)
Leading the launch list this month is the Neta X, already pulling very decent volumes. This is because it’s a facelift of the Neta U and latter’s sales are simply being transferred to the X. The X is a compact electric SUV at 4.62m long with a 2.77m wheelbase. The interior features a floating 15.6-inch infotainment tile powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip and a 8.9-inch instrument panel. It has a lithium iron phosphate battery.
The X is priced from 126,800 to 146,800 yuan (16,100-18,700€ or US$17,900-20,700). That’s a higher starting point than the Neta U (118,800 yuan). It will compete with the likes of the BYD Yuan Plus (135,800-167,800 yuan), Aion Y (119,800-189,800 yuan) and Leapmotor C11 (149,800-209,800 yuan). The Neta U peaked at 6,295 units so the X has already surpassed it, we’d want to see it keep that level to be deemed a success.
Bar for success: 7,000 monthly sales
2. Dongfeng Aeolus Haohan (4,012 sales)
We haven’t seen a Dongfeng Aeolus launch for a while, and Dongfeng as a brand is freefalling this year (-45.6% after 11 months). The Haohan is therefore a welcome novelty for the brand. It is available in ICE (gasp!), HEV and PHEV variants and is a compact SUV at 4.65m long with a 2.74m wheelbase. The ICE variant has a 205hp 1.5T engine while the HEV and PHEV variant combine that engine with an electric motor. Ranges for the HEV and PHEV can climb up to 1200 and 1350km respectively.
The Haohan offers the mandatory hidden handles and a dynamic silhouette. Inside, we have the obligatory two screens, infotainment and instrument panel. But the main asset of the Haohan is its price, starting at just 89,900 yuan (11,400€ or US$12,700) and ending at 136,900 yuan (17,400€ or US$19,300). That means it undercuts such competitors as the Haval H6 (98,900-149,800 yuan), COS Z6 (99,900-137,900 yuan) and GAC Emkoo (119,800-169,800 yuan). The Haohan’s start is decent, but as the Aeolus sub-brand’s main new offer it must do a little more in the long term to convince.
Bar for success: 5,000 monthly units
3. Wuling Starlight (2,146 sales)
As Baojun suddenly crashed and burned, SGMW has focused its attention on the Wuling brand, notably with the immensely successful Hongguang Mini EV. After venturing into the SUV segment with great success, the Starlight is Wuling’s very first sedan. Used to cutthroat pricing (the Mini EV starts at just 32,800 yuan or 4,200€/US$4,600), and originally specialising in minibuses and commercial vehicles, Wuling steps up with the Starlight whose exterior design has nothing low cost about it. Notably the back of the car reminds of the latest Hyundai models. It is also the largest vehicle in its EV portfolio.
Originally available in PHEV variant, the BEV will follow in early 2024. The PHEV version comes with a 105hp 1.5L engine coupled with an electric motor while the BEV version features a 134hp electric motor. Inside, we could almost call the Starlight a premium vehicle with a very sophisticated dash including a 15.6-inch central touchscreen and an 8.8-inch instrument panel. The Starlight is priced from 88,800 to 105,800 yuan (11,300-13,500€ or US$12,500-14,900) and will compete with the BYD Destroyer 05 (101,800-157,800 yuan), BYD Qin Plus (99,800-179,800 yuan) and Qiyuan A05 (89,900-132,900 yuan)
Bar for success: 8,000 monthly sales
4. Aion Hyper HT (1,910 sales)
Since separating from GAC to make a standalone brand, Aion has gone from strength to strength with sales up 82.3% year-on-year over the first 11 months of 2023. The Hyper HT follows the similarly priced Hyper GT sedan, launched last June. The Hyper series also includes the SSR supercar. The HT is a mid-size fastback SUV EV at 4.93m long and with a 2.93m wheelbase. There is a lot of Tesla inspiration in the HT: its front fascia is reminiscent of the Model Y while its signature rear gull-wing doors, only available in the top trim levels, are also present in the Model X. The HT features the mandatory flush door handles.
Inside, the dashboard is the same as the Hyper GT’s, with a clean look, no buttons, a 14.6-inch main digital infotainment screen powered by GAC’s ADiGO 5.0 operating system and a thin 8.8-inch instrument panel sitting at the top. The centre tunnel features two wireless charging pads. The 70 kWh battery version of the HT supports battery swap technology. Its pricing ranges from 213,900 to 329,900 yuan (27,400-42,300€ or US$30,200-46,500). This way, it will compete directly with the Tesla Model Y (266,400-363,900 yuan) but also with the Rising R7 (189,900-389,900 yuan), Xpeng G6 (209,900-276,900 yuan) and IM LS6 (229,900-291,900 yuan). The Hyper GT peaked at 2,003 sales last July so we won’t expect much more from the HT which may have already hit its highest point.
Bar for success: 2,000 monthly sales
5. Roewe D7 (1,603 sales)
The D7 is the first model under Roewe’s “D” new energy product series as part of SAIC’s “Three-Year Action Plan for New Energy Vehicle Development.” It is a mid-size NEV sedan at 4.89m long and with a 2.81m wheelbase. The PHEV variant (pictured above) receives larger headlight lenses with a teardrop shape. The EV variant has double-row headlights and a pointed bumper, looking a little like a Nio model. Only the EV variant has “disappearing” door handles.
The EV version has either a 510 or 610 km range depending on the trim while in the PHEV variant, the combustion engine is paired wit two electric motors for 125 km of pure electric range and 1,250 km mixed (WLTC). The interior features two 12.3-inch screens next to each other for the instrument panel and infotainment tile. The D7 is priced from 125,800 to 176,800 yuan (16,100-22,700€ or US$17,700-24,900). It will compete with the likes of the BYD Qin Plus (99,800-179,800 yuan), Geely Galaxy L6 (115,800-149,800 yuan) and Qiyuan A07 (155,900-179,900 yuan).
Bar for success: 5,000 monthly sales
6. Fang Cheng Bao Bao 5 (626 sales)
Fang Cheng Bao, which translates to “Equation Leopard”, is an off-road premium brand by BYD, slated between Denza and Yangwang. The brand already has a network of 70 direct-operated stores around China, with plans to build another 80 in 2024. Its first model, the Bao 5, was unveiled in August 2023. It takes its styling cues from the Land Rover Defender and Ford Bronco Sport. It’s a 4.89m mid-size PHEV 4WD SUV which eclipses the 0-100 km/h in just 4.8 seconds. The Bao 5 has a body-on-frame construction and is built on a DMO (Dual Mode Off-Road) Super Hybrid system from BYD. A high-spec variant of the Bao 5 comes with Cloud-P chassis technology featuring a height-adjustable hydraulic active suspension system also used in the Yangwang U8.
It is powered by a 194 hp 1.5L turbocharged petrol engine mated with dual electric motors for a combined 677 hp. The combined range of the Bao 5 is 1,200 km. The interior features no less than three digital screens: one 15.6-inch infotainment central screen and two 12.3-inch screens for instrument panel and passenger entertainment. The Bao 5 is priced from 289,800 to 352,800 yuan (37,100-45,200€ or US$40,900-49,700) and will compete with the Tank 400 (279,800-289,800 yuan), Tank 500 (335,000 yuan) and BYD Tang NEV (209,800-342,800 yuan).
Bar for success: 7,500 monthly sales
7. WEY Gaoshan (612 sales)
Wey is a premium brand by Great Wall that has struggled to meet expectations but still shows positive evolution over the first 11 months of 2023 at +7.2%. Originally specialising in SUVs, Wey ventures into the MPV segment with this Gaoshan. It comes in two lengths: 5.04m for the Noble and Flagship versions and 5.40m for the Executive version, believed to be the longest MPV available in China. Wheelbase is 3.08 or 3.27m. It is a seven seater in a 2+2+3 layout. The Gaoshan has an onboard 12.5-liter refrigerator.
It is a PHEV vehicle with a 156 hp 1.5T turbocharged engine paired with a 184 hp electric motor for a combined power of 487 hp. This is enough to go from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.7 seconds. Thanks to an Svolt ternary lithium battery pack with 37.96 kWh capacity, the all electric range is 175 km. The dashboard features two 12.5-inch screens: one for the instrument panel and one central for the infotainment. It also includes a 15-inch head-up display and 11 USB ports throughout the car. The Gaoshan is priced from 335,800 to 405,800 yuan (43,000-52,000€ or US$47,300-57,200) and will compete with the Denza D9 (345,800-660,000 yuan), Voyah Dreamer (339,900-689,900 yuan) and GAC Trumpchi E9 (329,800-389,800 yuan).
Bar for success: 3,500 monthly sales
8. VW ID.7 Vizzion (549 sales)
The ID.7 Vizzion is manufactured by the FAW-VW joint venture. It is a 4.96m long EV sedan with a 2.96m wheelbase. It is powered by an NMC battery with a capacity of 84.8 kWh. There is a single-motor rear-wheel drive variant for 642 km of range and a dual motor four-wheel-drive for 570 km of range. The dashboard is relatively contemporary, a progression for Volkswagen in China. It features a 15-inch floating central console screen and an AR head-up-display. It is priced from 227,800 to 262,800 yuan (29,200-33,700€ or US$32,100-37,000) and will compete with the BYD Han (189,800-321,800 yuan) and Tesla Model 3 (261,400-297,400 yuan).
Bar for success: 5,000 monthly sales
9. Venucia VX6 (534 sales)
Venucia is an entry-level brand by Dongfeng Nissan. The VX6 is the brand’s first electric compact SUV. It is 4.66m long with a 2.85m wheelbase. It is powered by a 217 hp electric motor and a CATL lithium-iron-phosphate battery. The exterior design breaks with previous Venucia models with very angular surfaces. The interior is rather austere but the obligatory two screens are present with virtually no buttons on the dashboard. The VX6 is priced from 141,900 to 159,900 yuan (18,200-20,500€ or US$20,000-22,500) and will compete with the likes of the Aion Y (119,800-189,800 yuan), BYD Song Plus (135,800-167,800 yuan), Kia EV5 (149,800-174,800 yuan) and Leapmotor C11 (149,800-209,800 yuan).
Bar for success: 4,500 monthly sales
10. Jetour Shanhai L9 (496 sales)
Jetour is a success story in China. A brand by Chery focused on adventure, it has instantly resonated with the Chinese consumer and is currently enjoying a second wave of success, lodging its 2nd best ever monthly volume in November at 27,167 sales. The brand’s new energy vehicle series, Shanhai, has unveiled its first model: the L9 PHEV SUV. Eight more will follow within the next two years. The L9 is essentially the plug-in hybrid version of the Jetour X90 Plus SUV. It is 4.86m long for a 2.85m wheelbase and has a 62-inch panoramic sunroof. It is a 7-seater SUV with a 2+3+2 layout.
The L9 is powered by a 156hp 1.5TD hybrid engine and a 271hp electric motor mated to a 2-speed DHT. It is good for a 0 to 100km/h acceleration in 7.8 seconds. The comprehensive fuel consumption is 5.3L/100km and comprehensive range 1,100 km. Inside, the L9 features a 10.25-inch instrument panel and a 15.6-inch infotainment central screen power by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip. The L9 is priced from 166,900 to 192,900 yuan (21,400-24,700€ or US$23,500-27,200) and will compete with such models as the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro NEV (137,900-179,900 yuan), Chery Tiggo 9 (152,900-209,900 yuan) and Haval Raptor (165,800-183,800 yuan).
Bar for success: 6,000 monthly sales
11. Yangwang U8 (408 sales)
Announced in November 2022, Yangwang is a luxury EV brand by BYD. Meaning “looking up” in English, Yangwang is described by the manufacturer as “a high-end brand with disruptive technologies and products”. Vehicles under the Yangwang brand will be priced between 800,000 and 1.5 million yuan (102,000-192,000€ or US$113,000-212,000). The new brand’s first vehicle is a boxy off-road model, the U8. The U8 is an all-wheel-drive vehicle with four electric motors combining to a huge 1,197hp and eclipsing the 0-100 km/h in just 3.6 seconds.. It can perform a 360° tank turn and float on water. More on this below.
The U8 is 5.32m long with a 3.05m wheelbase, meaning it is 50cm longer than the Mercedes G-Class with which it competes. However it is a 5-seater, leaving ample space in the boot. It is equipped with a Disus-P hydraulic body control system which steps the vehicle up and down 15cm. The U8 is an electric range extended vehicle (EREV) like all Li Auto models. This means the 2.0T combustion engine powers the 49.05 kWh battery pack but isn’t connected to the wheels. The comprehensive range is 1000 km. Inside, it’s a plethora of screens with two 23.6-inch screens for instrument panel and passenger entertainment and a 12.8-inch central screen. Then we have two screens on the back of the front seats and a 6th screen on the console between the two back seats.
Now for the fun stuff. The U8 can wade in 1m-tall water for the base trim and 1.40m for the Off-road Master Edition which features a snorkel. The car then goes into emergency floating mode automatically when the water depth is over the limit. The combustion engine is cut off, the AC is switched to internal circulation, the suspension is raised to its maximum level and the sunroof opens, providing an emergency exit. The U8 can then stay afloat for 30 minutes and move forward at 3 km/h by accelerating and turning wheels. It can even perform tank turns while floating. Note Yangwang stresses that the floating mode is for emergencies only such as floods but it will be hard for their owners to resist testing the vehicle’s prowess.
The U8 is priced at 1,098,000 yuan (140,700€ or US$154,800) which makes it the most expensive Chinese mass-produced EV. It will compete with the Range Rover (1,428,000-3,358,000 yuan), Land Rover Defender (688,000-1,716,000 yuan) and Mercedes G-Class (1,424,800-1,899,000). There are currently 60 YangWang stores under construction in 40 cities around China and plans to open 90. The U8 has already received 30,000 orders.
Bar for success: 4,000 monthly sales
12. Arcfox αT5 (163 sales)
We don’t have much information yet about the αT5, seemingly an updated version of the αT. It is priced from 155,800 to 203,800 yuan (20,000-26,100€ or US$22,000-28,700) compared with 185,800 to 331,300 yuan for the αT. It will complete with the Shenlan S7 (149,900-217,900 yuan), Song Plus (154,800-219,900 yuan) and Leapmotor C11 (149,800-209,800 yuan). The αT peaked at 968 sales in June 2022 so we’d want at least the same level for the αT5.
Bar for success: 1,000 monthly sales
13. Luxeed S7 (115 sales)
Luxeed, in Mandarin Zhijie which translates as Mind limit, is a premium EV brand and the result of a collaboration between Chery and phone maker Huawei. Under the current arrangement, Chery is responsible for the manufacturing of the car while Huawei provides the electric motors, smart features and operating system and sells the vehicle through its flagship stores. It is Huawei’s second auto brand after Aito. Its first model, the S7, was unveiled in August 2023. It is a 4.97m long fastback sedan and is the first car to feature Huawei’s HarmonyOS 4.0 operating system.
The S7 has a very low 12.4 kWh/100 km consumption thanks to a 0.203 drag coefficient, can charge 430 km in 15 minutes and can self-park. Its maximum range goes from 550km to 855 km depending on the variant. It is packed with new technology thanks to Huawei’s input. It has one lidar, three millimetre-wave radars, 12 ultrasonic radars and 11 high-definition cameras. The top trim version has dual electric motors for a combined 496 hp and eclipses the 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.3 seconds. The battery is provided by CATL and comes in three different sizes: 62 kWh, 82 kWh and 100 kWh.
The S7 is priced from 249,800 to 349,800 yuan (32,000-44,800€ or US$35,200-49,300) and enters a very competitive segment including the BYD Han (189,800-321,800 yuan), BYD Seal (189,800-279,800 yuan), Tesla Model 3 (261,400-297,400 yuan), AvatR 12 (300,800-400,800 yuan) and Nio ET5 (298,000-356,000 yuan). The S7 has received over 20,000 orders in less than three weeks so demand is definitely there.
Bar for success: 6,000 monthly sales
14. Kia EV5 (104 sales)
After the EV6 and EV9, the EV5 is Kia’s third BEV model and the first global model debuting in China. It is also the first Kia EV to be exported from China where it’s global factory is located, produced by the Dongfeng Yueda Kia joint-venture. After a concept previewing the production version was unveiled in March 2023, the actual model was showed at the Chengdu Auto Show in August 2023. It is in essence an electric Sportage alternative. The EV5 is equipped with a lithium iron phosphate battery from BYD offering 64.2 kWh and paired with a 218 hp electric motor. Its current range is 530 km but a long-range variant offering 720 km will be added to the lineup later. For export markets, the EV5 will be equipped with a nickel-manganese-cobalt battery offering 82 kWh.
The EV5 is priced very sharply at 149,800 to 174,800 yuan (19,200-22,400€ or US$21,100-24,600) and will compete with the Buick E5 (169,900 to 278,900 yuan), BYD Yuan Plus (135,800-167,800 yuan) and BYD Song Plus (154,800-219,900 yuan). Like many foreign carmakers, Kia is struggling in China with sales off -23.3% year-on-year over the first 11 months of the year. Its pricing should help the EV5 garner good momentum but when the Sportage can only muster 2,882 sales in November, its prospects are rather bleak
Bar for success: 4,000 monthly sales
